Mott MacDonald Bentley | MMB
Principal Mechanical Engineer

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Principal Mechanical Engineer
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Mott MacDonald Bentley is a fully integrated design and build business combining the design expertise of Mott MacDonald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley to deliver award-winning projects. Working for Mott MacDonald Bentley, you will work on major water and wastewater schemes throughout all phases of the project from feasibility through to construction. With an annual turnover surpassing £600 million, Mott Macmillan Bentley cements its position as a leader within the industry. The sustained, robust business performance creates an ideal environment for career growth.
As part of our appointment to Scottish Water’s new Enterprise, we will deliver projects at sites across Scotland. Works will include major upgrades to treatment assets, new and enhanced networks, and resilience schemes that will benefit communities across the country.
About the Role
25+ years in the water sector
Over successive regulatory periods, MMB has delivered a wide range of complex water and wastewater projects that directly support SR27 priorities, including:
- Enhancing resilience and service reliability through treatment works upgrades, network improvements, and resilience schemes
- Supporting net zero and climate adaptation via low-carbon design, nature-based solutions, and environmental compliance projects
- Enabling sustainable growth by delivering infrastructure that supports new development and protects existing communities
- Driving efficiency and affordability through integrated delivery, innovation, and collaborative planning
- Maintaining a strong focus on customers, communities, and safety across everything we do
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will contribute to projects that significantly impact our environments and communities. Working primarily in the UK water market, MMB provides the feasibility, design, construction, and commissioning services needed to keep water flowing and wastewater treated. You’ll work on projects that make a real difference to our environment and our communities by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of water and wastewater treatment systems.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping the mechanical functions throughout the lifecycle of various projects.
Responsibilities
The role of a Principal Mechanical Engineer includes:
- Lead and oversee the design, planning, and execution of the mechanical engineering aspects of our projects.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance to our mechanical engineers and project teams. Develop knowledge, knowledge, and excellence within the team.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers and team members.
- Lead the development of the mechanical design of water and wastewater infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects through the project lifecycle, encompassing:
- P&IDs
- Valve schedules
- Pumps
- Tanks
- Process equipment
- Above-ground pipework
- Lifting and access steelwork
- Coordinate with the wider design team of Electrical, Civil, Geotech, and Process engineers.
- Work closely with the project teams to ensure application of client's asset standards and engage in particular technical discussions on best practice and standards waivers.
- Work closely and collaboratively with the commercial, operational, and construction teams to develop efficient, practical, and safe solutions throughout design stages, construction, and beyond.
- Positively engage with the client, managing relationships and adopting a one-team approach to support them in achieving their aims.
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Requirements
What you’ll need:
- Chartered Mechanical Engineer or above
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Strong knowledge of the water and/or wastewater industry
- Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, practices, and standards relating to process industries.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple design tasks and meet deadlines.
Benefits
Financial Wellbeing
- Pension contributions: MMB matches employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
- Bonus schemes: Payment of any professional institution subscription costs.
- Profits-sharing as part of MMB’s independently owned business model.
Health and Wellbeing
- Holiday: Minimum of 33 days each year, inclusive of public holidays, with flexible options to buy, sell or carry over annual leave.
- Insurance: Access to Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance, plus Health Screening options.
- Flexible working: Open discussions about supporting responsibilities beyond the workplace.
- Employee Networks: Participation in various networks, including LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parental support groups.
- Family and Carers Leave:
- Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks of paid maternity/adoption leave
- Two weeks paid paternity/partner leave plus shared parental leave options
- Up to 2 paid additional days for those with significant caring responsibilities


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Learning and Development
- Fast-track chartership: Support and guidance offered from day one.
- Mentoring & Training: Structured schemes for professional growth and tailored opportunities.
- We empower our people to grow professionally, helping them to thrive in their careers.
Other Information
About Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy. Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes and embracing excellence, digital innovation, and transformative client solutions. We value respecting differences and tailored support for our employees.
Our motto: "Because we care about what we do, we do things better."
We invest in our employees through extensive training, project exposure, and career opportunities, ensuring they are our most valuable asset.
Commitment to a Premier Workplace:
- Promoting safety, voice, potential, and sharing rewards across all levels
- Addressing lived experiences and obstacles in our inclusive workplace
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We welcome all applicants and are dedicated to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. Everyone should feel included, have opportunities to thrive, and be treated with respect.
If you don’t meet every requirement but wish to apply, please do so. Read more about our approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here.
Accessibility
Our recruitment process is designed to be barrier-free and as inclusive as possible. Please reach out to 01756 691572 or recruitment@jnbentley.co.uk to discuss any adjustments that may aid your application.
Agile Working
We rely on and provide an agile working approach, balancing employee needs with business requirements.
Job Details
Location
- Glasgow, UK
- Edinburgh, UK
Contract Type
- Permanent
- Full-Time
Market & Discipline
- Market: Water
- Discipline: Water
Job Reference
Job Ref: 15216
Recruiter Contact
Pamela Wray-Slack at pamela.wray-slack@jnbentley.co.uk
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